James E. Risch, currently serving as Idaho s 37th Lieutenant Governor, holds a longstanding commitment to public service and a passion for good government. Known for pragmatic decision-making, Risch is what his peers call a no-nonsense, get-the-job-done leader with 37 years of experience in elected office. Most recently, Risch served as Idaho s 31st Governor. During that time, Risch called a special session of the Idaho Legislature to bring much needed property tax relief to Idaho taxpayers. This act created a strong and protected source of funding for Idaho public schools. In another highlight from his term as Governor, Risch designed a plan to manage Idaho s designated Roadless Areas that won unanimous approval by the US Department of Agriculture s RACNAC Committee in Washington, DC. Governor Risch also supervised the adoption of an Idaho rule which effectively prohibited the construction of traditional mercury-releasing pulverized coal power plants. Both of these measures earned Governor Risch bipartisan acclaim for his pragmatic approach to natural resource issues and land management. Governor Risch also accomplished a number of initiatives targeted at streamlined and effective government. Risch transformed Idaho s Executive Office by opening regional offices in both North and Southeast Idaho. These new offices enhanced communication and responsiveness to constituents. Governor Risch also succeeded in a major reorganization of Idaho s Department of Health and Welfare that allowed for more efficient administration and cost savings. As Governor, Risch created the position of Idaho Drug Czar to tackle the growing scourge of methamphetamine and its devastating impact on Idaho families. The creation of the Drug Czar position marked Idaho s first interdepartmental effort to stop the traffic and use of methamphetamine in the Gem State. As a twice-elected Lieutenant Governor, Risch has been a strong and effective advocate for smart economic development. He continues to work with businesses new and old alike to ensure continued prosperity for the people and places of Idaho. Governor Risch began his career in public service at the age of 27, when he was elected to two terms as Ada County Prosecuting attorney. Following his tenure as president of the Idaho Prosecuting Attorneys Association, he served 11 elected terms in the Idaho State Senate. His time as Senator was highlighted by his quick election to the leadership positions of Majority Leader and Senate President Pro Tempore, serving in the top two positions of Senate leadership for 19 of his 22 years. Governor Risch received a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry from the University of Idaho and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Idaho, College of Law. He served on Law Review and the College of Law Advisory Committee at the University of Idaho and has taught criminal law at Boise State University. He is a small business owner, a rancher/farmer and senior partner in the Risch Goss Insinger Gustavel Law firm. Governor Risch and his wife Vicki Risch, the former First Lady of Idaho, have been married for 39 years. They have 3 sons, 2 daughters-in-law and 6 grandchildren. Their commitment to Idaho and their work together earned them the distinction of being selected as Idaho s Healthy Marriage Ambassadors. They live on a ranch outside of Boise.
